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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.